If anyone can provide any information on any of these characters, I’d be delighted to hear from you (and hope no offence was caused by the use of A Very Bad Word).

9 April 2011 Update!

Peter contacted me as his father was a member of the Oropesa’s crew in 1931/32 and he has done considerable research on her. This morning he emailed me the passenger lists which are held at the National Archives in London. I’m very grateful and very excited! Thank you, Peter. The RMS Oropesa left Liverpool on 19 April 1928 heading for Valparaiso, Chile and I was able to find everyone noted on the back of the pics in the passenger lists, except “Scottie”. Along with a familiar name NOT mentioned on the photos – John A Hardie. He was Granny’s cousin, known as Ian in the family, and was travelling first class (lucky devil) destined for Mollendo, but he intended to return to Scotland. His occupation is noted as “traveller” – presumably a commercial traveller (salesman) and he was 23 years of age. Business or pleasure, I wonder?

Given that there were only 9 Scottish passengers travelling on the ship, and 3 of them were men in their 20’s or 30’s, and I think it’s likely a man from Scotland might be nicknamed “Scottie” or “Jock” by his fellow travellers, I had a good close look at Scottie. I hooked out Ian’s Wedding photo and I think Peter has helped me identify why this picture was important – it’s Ian!

The Hardie boys and the Stewart girls were like siblings and remained close all their lives – they spent a lot of time together larking about on picnics and having a laugh. Ian worked at Briggs Jute in Dundee and emigrated to South Africa but wrote to my Great Auntie Chrissie regularly.

Now, I wonder if the photo of Dougal and the elephant was taken during Ian’s trip? Did they have elephants in Chile? Is the handwriting the same on the back of the photos? Hey, that’s a whole ‘nother blog post or two 🙂

31 Responses to Sepia Saturday – 1928 Cruise RMS Oropesa

These are wonderful pictures. The men are so dapper in the first one. I like to think there is a connection to your family, just so you’ll be able to relate more to the people and photos. I’ve always loved the 1920s era.

Hi Marilyn – I suspect these folks are not related to me, but old friends who sent pics back to my family. I doubt mine were rich enough to take off on these voyages, but I am dying to know WHO they were, going off on their Cruises and having a ball 🙂

Can’t provide any information but I can say that the photographs are fascinating. As one who goes cruising in the 21st century, life on the cruise ships and liners must have been so different back then – more individual, more intimate.

Hi Kristin – I wasn’t sure what to do, but eventually figured out that it was part of the photo (being written on the back), and from an entirely different era. I did want to acknowledge the potential offence tho – glad you feel the same and hope most folk do 🙂

Thanks for stopping by Jo!
Those are great pictures, I hope you have some success with figuring out who they are.
I’m pretty sure none of them are related to me, although they look like a fun bunch:)
I did sail out of Liverpool myself in 1963 though:)

Jo,
My father was a memer of the Oropesa’s crew in 1931/32. I have researched the ship for many years and have a considerable amount of information about her. Your photos are delightful and particularly poignant for me, especially as one of the ship’s lifebelts is displayed. I am trying to find from the passenger lists the names on the photos although this may take some time. Do you have any other material/detail? I’ll be back in touch. Best wishes. Peter.

My grandfather was a fireman on the Oropesa .I have his certificate of discharge books dating from 1901 to 1930.His first trip was 12th Nov 1903 place of engagement Birkenhead destination Valparaiso.His last trip on Oropesa was May 1913 leaving Liverpool.Shipsmasters names are Mcdermott ,Martindale,Bassxxxx,Archer and a couple of others I cant read.Hope these scraps of info are of interest.

Hi Jo
I have read with interest your blog, and love the photographs – my Grandad was part of the ships crew on the RMS Oropesa on this very voyage!! He joined the crew 6 days before the cruise sailed out of Liverpool. None of our family know anything about the exotic locations my Grandad went to so finding this has been really exciting.
I can’t believe that you found someone whos father was also a crew member. Do you have any other information on the Oropessa, or could you put me intouch with Peter Jones?
Many thanks and best wishes
Ian